The impossible dream

TallGirl

Sounds very sensible I also use view my PB as my accessible cash fund even if it’s starting to pay more in the banks.  Using the £1000 to clear the mortgage is very tempting or stick it in something with higher interest rates. You could also feed it into a regular saver. 

As for a new job I think employers are finding it hard to recruit people with experience and are therefore willing to negotiate in things like days in the office, flexible hours and maybe even leave. Definitely have a look around and see. Careful with stress though!

Tahlullah.H

Thanks for that TG.  As I get older, I find I am less willing to be overly stressed at work.  I'm not on a ladder trying to climb to a dizzying height, having been there and done that.  A  job I enjoy that allows me to do what I am good at without undue stress and pressure is what I want.  To be fair, the job I am in ticks those boxes.  But, if I were successful, the new job gives a decent pay rise and it is closer to home, thus saving a bit on travel time and cost.  I am currently only in the office 1 day a week.  I doubt I could negotiate such a good deal, but with less travel time and cost, 2 days would be the equivalent of 1.5 of the old job, if you get my drift.  When added to the pay rise, it's a good result.

Anyway, I am not so good with interviews, so lets see how it goes.  Whatever happens, I am already in a good position with no requirement to rock the boat.

Moneyfordreams

The job potential change is a really good point. There is a job local to me available that is a 10 minute walk to my house - likely much better working conditions same pay but car parking and transport costs are around £120 per month - putting it in writing makes me feel daft for not trying - but I need a bit more experience in my new role 1st. Good luck   

Tahlullah.H

I do know what you mean MFD, but as TG says, there is a shortage of good quality staff at the moment and employers are more likely than not to take a chance on someone who is just about there, than continue to run with the gap in the team. 

I was told by a good friend that what I was describing, when I said I wasn't ready for  job, was Imposter Syndrome.  Doesn't mean it's accurate, just how I feel about myself.  I am not saying you have the same issues I do, but perhaps it is only you who feels you need more experience.  Perhaps the new employer would like the opportunity to give that feedback, or to say otherwise.

If it is that close to home and it is that good an opportunity, and you are seriously questioning should I, shouldn't I?, just go for it.  Seriously, what is the worst?  The worst is kicking yourself a month later, full of regret wondering why you didn't try.

TallGirl

Or if it is a small sector you find out someone far less experienced than you get the job and you didn’t apply. I agree with Talullah just go for it. Practise for later even if you don’t get it. 

savingholmes

Best of luck in your new role. I'd keep the EF.

Tahlullah.H

After an evening of staring at my accounts, devising a cunning plan and playing the big money shuffle, I have got it to the point where I can clear the mortgage by December 2023!  I am so happy!!!  Where there is a will, there is a way.  Admittedly, I will have to take £2k out of the Premium Bonds.  My plan leaves the PB alone for now, so I have 1 year to increase the amount in there to £2k from £1k where it currently stands.  And if I win (wishful thinking) then I pay with my winnings.  If not, then I am in the same situation as if I used the money today, no better off, no worse off.

So, on 1 January 2024, or there abouts when the Banks re-open, I will do whatever it is you have to do to close your mortgage.  Having never done this before, I have no idea what the process entails, but no doubt, I will find out.

The absolute excitement of it all!  I will actually clear the mortgage this year!   It will take me right up to the last day, but this year nevertheless!   As usual, I will track my progress in my footer to keep me accountable. 

Bring it on!

Moneyfordreams

Wow - good luck - I'm rooting for you

badmemory

Tahlullah.H said:

So, on 1 January 2024, or there abouts when the Banks re-open, I will do whatever it is you have to do to close your mortgage.  Having never done this before, I have no idea what the process entails, but no doubt, I will find out.

Great news!  But being a bank you can safely bet that there will be some sort of fee, they would not be able to pass up the chance.

Tahlullah.H

Hi @badmemory , your comment led me to ring the bank and ask.  They confirm there is no charge payable.  Once you make the last payment, you contact the bank and let them know.  They will do a quick calculation to see if there is any interest outstanding - minimal amount for 1 month at most, and they then close the account, contact Land Registry and ask for the charge to be removed.  This can take up to 6 months, because Land Registry are behind, but the house is then yours free and clear!

Thanks for the positive support Mfd!  It's been a long time coming.  10 years to be exact.  August 2013 was when I began my journey to pay off the mortgage.  There have been a lot of ups and downs during that period, borrowing and paying down at least 3 times but here I am finally.  The last stretch.  Knowing my luck, something major will happen that will call on my money and scupper my plans.  But no, I will not let this happen.  I will finish this mortgage whilst I am 58 years old, which is a fantastic achievement, because I thought it would be at 59 at the earliest.

So excited!  Still haven't managed to list anything on eBay, but my I continue to do surveys to bring in bits, aim for NSD's and watch the pennies I do spend.  11.5 months left to go!